Adjustable seat assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle seat is slidably mounts to rails secured to a vehicle chassis. The rails extend downwardly and away from the steering shaft of the vehicle at a substantial slope. Grooves formed in the rails receive posts secured to the seat to slidably mount the seat. A plurality of registration surfaces, such as a row of apertures, are secured to the rails and engage one or more locking pins. The locking pins are actuated by cables extending to a lever positioned near the edge of the seat. Springs urge the locking pins into engagement with the registration surfaces when tension is not applied to the cables. In an alternative embodiment, an air spring mounts between the seat and vehicle chassis. The amount of air within the air spring controls the position of the seat along the rails.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to adjustable seats and, more specifically, to adjustable seats for straddle mount vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Snowmobiles are manufactured in only a limited range of sizes and configurations, in contrast with the sizes of riders who enjoy riding snowmobiles. Furthermore, individual riders will often use a snowmobile differently at different times. However, typical snowmobiles are designed for a designated purpose. Typical snowmobiles are dedicated to specific purposes such as racing, mountain riding, trail riding, long distance touring, hill climbing, and the like.

Such snowmobiles do not accommodate a variety of user sizes and riding styles. For trail touring, a rider typically sits substantially upright with arms extended. For aggressive riding and hill climbing, the rider may lean and/or shift forward with the arms bent sharply. Typically, a rider must own multiple snowmobiles in order to accommodate these different riding styles.

It would therefore be an advancement in the art to provide a system allowing a user to readily adapt a snowmobile for different riding styles and users of different sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A vehicle includes a seat slidably mounted to a vehicle chassis. The seat selectively slides along rails either up and toward the handlebars of the vehicle or down and away from the handlebars. The seat mounts to rails extending downwardly and away from the steering shaft of the vehicle at a substantial slope. Grooves formed in the rails receive posts secured to the seat to slidably mount the seat. A plurality of registration surfaces, such as a row of apertures, are secured to the rails and engage one or more locking pins. The locking pins are actuated by cables extending to a lever positioned near the edge of the seat. Springs urge the locking pins into engagement with the registration surfaces when tension is not applied to the cables. In an alternative embodiment, an air spring mounts between the seat and vehicle chassis. The user varies the amount of air within the air spring to adjust the position of the seat along the rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of an adjustable seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of rails suitable for mounting an adjustable seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a seat frame for an adjustable seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom isometric view of a seat frame for an adjustable seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a seat frame secured to rails, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a locking pin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a release lever, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a shell for an adjustable seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of an assembled adjustable seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a seat frame and rails having an air spring adjustment mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a snowmobile 10 has a seat 12 mounted to the chassis 14 and extending over a tunnel 16. The forward end of the tunnel 16 secures to the chassis near an engine compartment 18. Handlebars 20 are likewise mounted near the forward end of the tunnel 16. The handlebars 20 are mounted in a position to be gripped by a user seated on the seat 12.

The seat 12 slidably mounts to the chassis to be slidable along an adjustment direction 22 a extending at a substantial angle above a horizontal direction 22 b corresponding to the direction of travel of the snowmobile 10. The angled adjustment path of the seat 12 enables simultaneous adjustment along the vertical direction 22 c and the horizontal direction 22 b. A driver wishing to travel large distances comfortably may adjust the seat down and away to the position of FIG. 1A in order to grasp the handlebars seated upright with the legs bent at a comfortable angle. On the other hand, a driver wishing to drive aggressively may shift the seat up and toward the engine compartment to the position of FIG. 1B to grasp the handlebars in a forwardly inclined posture and to shift the center of gravity of the combined snowmobile and driver toward the dimensional center of the snowmobile in order to improve handling. The raised seat 12 will also ease the transition to standing.

The angle 24 of the adjustment direction 22 a relative to horizontal is typically sufficiently large to accomplish a substantial vertical adjustment relative to a horizontal movement. In some embodiments, the angle 24 is between 12 and 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle 24 is between 40 and 4 degrees. In the preferred embodiment the angle is about 45 degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the seat 12 mounts to the snowmobile 10 by means of a mounting frame 26 extending from the tunnel 16 toward the handlebars 20. The mounting frame 26 includes one or more rails 28 a, 28 b. The rails 28 a, 28 b each include one or more grooves 30 a, 30 b. In the illustrated embodiment, two grooves 30 a, 30 b are formed in each of the rails 28 a, 28 b, separated from one another. Recesses 32 formed in the rails 28 a, 28 b permit insertion of posts or like structures into the grooves 30 a, 30 b. A plurality of registration surfaces 34 secure to the rails 28 a, 28 b or to another structure secured to the snowmobile 10. The registration surfaces 34 provide multiple points of securement along the rails 28 a, 28 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the registration surfaces 34 are a plurality of apertures 36 evenly distributed along a portion of the rails 28 a, 28 b.

The rails 28 a, 28 b may include a lower portion 38 and an upper portion 40. The lower portion 38 is exposed for mounting the seat 12. The upper portion 40 extends beneath a body panel of the snowmobile to near the steering column (not shown) and secures to the chassis 14 by means of a bracket 42 and cross piece 44. The lower portion 38 is exposed when not covered by the seat 12 and bears the grooves 30 a, 30 b and registration surfaces 34. The lower portion 38 secures to a gusset 46 fastened to the tunnel 16. A second cross piece 48 secures to the rails 28 a, 28 b near the boundary between the upper and lower portions 38, 40. The cross piece 48 typically receives fasteners securing the cross piece 48 to the chassis 14. The cross piece 48 is preferably located at a lower edge of a body panel covering the upper portion 40.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat 12 includes a seat frame 50. The seat frame 50 includes a first portion 52 and a second portion 54. The first portion 52 and second portion 54 support the seat 12 in a substantially horizontal orientation. When mounted, the seat frame 50 is supported by the rails 28 a, 28 b in a cantilevered fashion, extending rearwardly from the rails 28 a, 28 b such that the rails 28 a, 28 b provide substantially all support for the seat 12. The second portion 54 is angled with respect to the first portion 52. The angle formed by the first and second portions 50, 52 may correspond to the angle 24 of the rails 28 a, 28 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 52 is angled upward slightly from the horizontal direction 22 b with the second portion 54 oriented parallel to the adjustment direction 22 a. The seat frame 50 is typically formed of metal tubes bent into a shape having a length and width suitable for supporting the seat 12. Gussets 56 are secured proximate the transition between the first and second portions 52 and 54 in order to reinforce the frame 50 and provide a support platform for the seat 12.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, posts 58 secured on either side of the ends of the first portion 52 are received within the grooves 30 a, 30 b. In the illustrated embodiment the posts 58 face inwardly in order to engage outwardly facing grooves 30 a, 30 b. In an alternative embodiment, the grooves face inwardly whereas the posts 58 extend outwardly. The posts 58 may bear a low friction material in order to facilitate sliding within the grooves 30 a, 30 b. Various alternative mounting systems are possible to achieve the cantilevered support and angled adjustment path for a snowmobile seat. For example, rails 28 a, 28 b may be mounted to the seat 12 whereas posts 58 mount to a structure fixedly secured to the snowmobile chassis 14.

A locking mechanism 60 engages the registration surfaces 34 to fix the position of the seat 12 relative to the rest of the snowmobile 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 60 includes actuated pins 62 mounted to a cross member 64 such that the pins 62 are insertable into the apertures 36 when the posts 58 are positioned within the grooves 30 a, 30 b.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the pins 62 mount within seats 66 having springs 68 biasing the pins 62 outwardly toward engagement with the apertures 36. Cables 70 connect to the pins and extend through sheaths 72 to a location accessible by an operator of the snowmobile 10. Referring to FIG. 7, in the illustrated embodiment, the cables 70 are actuated by the same or a distinct lever 74. In the illustrated embodiments, the cables 70 actuating the two pins 62 are actuated by a common lever 74. In the illustrated embodiment, the cables 70 secure to a single cable 76 within a housing 78. The cable 76 is then mounted to the lever 74 offset from a point of pivotal securement 80. The lever 74 includes a guide channel 82 for improving the transmission of motion to the cable 76.

Referring to FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the lever 74 mounts to a shell 84 forming part of the seat 12. In the preferred embodiment, the lever 74 mounts to the shell 84 such that the portion of the lever 74 facing outwardly from the shell 84 is substantially flush with the edge of the shell 84. A cover 86 mounts to the shell 84 over the housing 78 and cable 76. The shell 84 secures to the seat frame 50 to provide a substantially horizontal support surface for a seat cushion.

Referring to FIG. 9, a cushion 88 mounts to the shell 84 such that the lever 74 is exposed. In operation, a user will pull outwardly on the lever 74 in order to disengage the pins 62 from the apertures 36 in order to allow the seat 12, to slide. The seat 12 may then be adjusted to a different position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, and the lever released to allow the spring 64 to bias the pins 62 into a different aperture 34.

Referring to FIG. 10, in an alternative embodiment, adjustment for the seat 12 is provided by an air spring 90. The air spring 90 preferably includes a cylinder 92 and piston rod 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder 92 secures to the seat frame 50 and the piston rod 94 secures to the chassis 14, however, this arrangement may be readily reversed.

A valve 96 controls the release of air from the cylinder 92. In operation, height adjustment is achieved by controlling the amount of air in the cylinder 92. A handle 98 pivotally mounted to the cylinder 92 is accessible when the shell 84 is mounted to the seat frame 50. The handle 98 may mount to the cylinder 92 by means of a bracket 100 and a pivot pin 102 extending through the handle 98 and bracket 100. The handle 98 may bear an arm 104 pivotable against the valve 96 to release air from the cylinder 92.

Within the cylinder 92 is a piston 106 mounted to the piston rod 94 for compressing the air within the piston 106. In some embodiments, a spring 108 is interposed between the piston 106 and the cylinder 92. The spring 108 may serve to increase the force required to depress the piston 106. The spring 108 may also force the piston 106 outwardly from the cylinder 92 to draw air into the cylinder 92 when the valve 96 is opened, unless a counteracting force is applied to the piston 106.

Other mounting arrangements of the cylinder 92 and piston are possible. Whereas, in the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder 92 and piston rod 94 are substantially parallel to the rails 28 a, 28 b, in other embodiments, the cylinder 92 and piston rod 94 are oriented substantially perpendicular to the rails 28 a, 28 b, such that either the cylinder 92 or piston rod 94 secures to a rearward end of the seat frame 50 or shell 84.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely to the claims that follow. 

1. A vehicle seat mounting system adapted for use on a straddle-mounted vehicle comprising a vehicle having a steering system controlled by a grippable portion, the system comprising: a seat positioned to support a rider holding the grippable portion, the seat having first and second ends and a saddle adapted to support the rider, the saddle extending substantially horizontally; a rail extending downwardly and rearward from the grippable portion at a substantial slope, the seat slidably secured to the rail in a cantilevered configuration proximate the first end thereof; and a lock selectively fixing the position of the seat relative to the rail.
 2. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail has an angle greater than about 15 degrees from horizontal.
 3. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail has an angle greater than about 30 degrees from horizontal.
 4. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail has an angle between about 40 and 60 degrees from horizontal.
 5. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 4, wherein the rail has an angle of about 45 degrees from horizontal
 6. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the rail comprises a groove extending therealong and the seat further comprises a post proximate the first end inserting within the groove.
 7. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 6, wherein the rail is a first rail, the vehicle seat mounting system further comprising a second rail parallel to the first rail and wherein the groove is a first groove and the post is a first post, the second rail comprising a second groove and the seat having a second post secured thereto proximate the first end.
 8. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 7, wherein the first and second posts are distanced from one another and extend inwardly toward one another and wherein the grooves face outwardly from one another.
 9. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the lock comprises a latch secured to the seat and a plurality of registration surfaces secured to the rail, the latch selectively engaging the plurality of registration surfaces to fix the position of the seat relative to the rail.
 10. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 9, further comprising an actuator engaging the latch, a portion of the actuator accessible from proximate a lateral edge of the seat.
 11. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 10, wherein the actuator comprises a manually engageable member and one or more cables extending from the manually engageable member to the latch.
 12. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the seat further comprises a frame having an angled portion and a substantially horizontal portion, the angled portion forming an angle with respect to the substantially horizontal portion corresponding to a slope of the rail, the angled portion supporting the substantially horizontal portion in a cantilevered configuration.
 13. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein the grippable member is a handlebar.
 14. The vehicle seat mounting system of claim 1, wherein an upper end of the rail is adapted to extend across a gas tank of the vehicle.
 15. A method for adjusting a vehicle seat secured to a straddle-mounted vehicle comprising: sliding a seat along an angled rail upwardly and toward a grippable member of a steering system; and fixing the position of the seat relative to the rail.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: releasing the seat to slide relative to the rail; and sliding the seat downwardly and away from the grippable member.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the rail has an angle greater than about 15 degrees from a horizontal direction of travel of the vehicle.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the rail has an angle greater than about 30 degrees from a horizontal direction of travel of the vehicle.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the rail has an angle between about 40 and 60 degrees from a horizontal direction of travel of the vehicle.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the rail has an angle of about 45 degrees from a horizontal direction of travel of the vehicle.
 21. A straddle-mounted vehicle comprising: a steering system including a handlebar; a seat positioned to support a rider holding the handlebar, the seat having first and second ends, a saddle adapted to support the rider, the saddle extending substantially horizontal, and a frame supporting the saddle, the frame having a substantially distal portion and a proximal portion; at least two parallel rails extending downwardly and rearward from the gripable portion at a substantial slope, the rails having a plurality of registration surfaces formed thereon, the angled portion of the seat slidably securing to the rails having the proximal portion supporting the distal portion in a cantilevered configuration proximate the first end thereof, and a locking mechanism secured to the seat and selectively engageable with the registration surfaces to fix the position of the seat relative to the rails. 